MINSK, 25 February (BelTA) – Common security is of crucial importance for Belarus and Russia, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he talked to the media after voting in the elections of deputies of the House of Representatives and local councils of deputies, BelTA has learned.
"We have to do what we do. It is important to treat each other with respect. This is what we do," Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
The head of state recalled that the relations between Belarus and Russia went through different stages, sometimes serious disagreements. But even before the start of the conflict in Ukraine the Belarusian president used to say that disputes and arguments might happen in economy and politics, but common security is of crucial importance. "The time will come when we will stand back to back and defend ourselves," Aleksandr Lukashenko warned.
However, in Russia, these words of the Belarusian leader were not taken seriously at the time: they said the country had enough long-range missiles to defend itself even without the support of Belarus. "It was said to my face. I took it calmly. As a historian, I am telling you that the most pressing issues were resolved here. Belarus was at the epicenter. What has changed? Nothing. Back then I warned Russian politicians about this. Maybe it was five, maybe seven years ago," Aleksandr Lukashenko added.
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